DeSoto Independent School District students achieved outstanding success in this year's City of DeSoto Martin Luther King Jr. Art and Essay Contest with multiple students from across the district earning top honors. A total of 14 students received recognition for their exceptional work in the city's competition, showcasing their talent and creativity across various categories.
Among those honored were students from Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy, DeSoto West Middle School, Cockrell Hill Elementary, and Ruby Young Talented and Gifted Academy.
Fourteen young eagle scholars from DeSoto ISD received recognition from the city, four of the students attend KJTMA, DeSoto West, and Cockrell Hill Elementary, while the other 10 attend Ruby Young.
Out of the 14 students who achieved these honors, three soared to excellence by becoming the top three winners in their respective age categories, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
2025 City of DeSoto MLK Essay Contest Winner featured left to right (Caleb Mack, Ashanti Jimenez, Kaiden Davis).
Their success highlights the district's dedication to fostering young talent and encouraging creativity.
“With over 350 entries this year, the level of talent and dedication displayed by DeSoto ISD students was truly remarkable,” said Andreanna “Dre” Jarrett, community services and external affairs coordinator for DeSoto.
The top prize winners received AirPods Max as a reward for their exceptional work. Other amazing prizes included Six Flags tickets, Legoland tickets, Topgolf experiences, Medieval Times passes, Altitude Trampoline Park entry, Andretti Indoor Karting packages, and Visa gift cards.
All finalists were celebrated for their hard work and received a certificate of achievement, DeSoto swag, and a Crumbl Cookie gift card as tokens of appreciation for their participation.
Ruby Young Principal Dr. Xavier Lewis expressed immense pride and excitement in the students’ accomplishments and reinforced the ideals taught at Ruby Young and within the district.
“I am extremely proud and excited about our scholars being recognized for their academics!” said Lewis.
“We believe in setting a strong writing foundation at Ruby Young and ensuring that we remain culturally relevant.”
DeSoto ISD continues to celebrate the importance of arts and academic competitions such as the MLK Art and Essay Contest as vital platforms for students to engage their community, hone their skills and express their artistic voices.
“Our scholars had a great time preparing for this competition and are eager to participate in the next one. We have some of the top scholars in the Best Southwest right here in DeSoto Texas,” expressed Lewis.